Welcome, sounds like both you and your DH have very good attitudes and that will go a long way to you improving your health.

"The world is one country and mankind its citizens" one of the many truths spoken by Baha'u'llah and "Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul."

Thanks for the reply. I don't use many canned veggies, and recently when I've been buying them, I've bought no salt beans and broth because I figured it would be better for us. I'm on a strict budget due to family size. Tomatoes are the one thing that generally do not come sodium free in generic. I thankfully do know of one out of the way store that does sell them so I guess I'll be visiting there more often.

I actually do can, but there are 8 of us and I use a ton of tomatoes so I would shudder to think of how many I would have to can. LOL I make my own pasta sauce plus other dishes. Sadly, my tomatoes in the garden have not been doing well the past few years.

I am glad to see him interested in eating better, too. I think if he lost some weight it would help another problem he's had. Unfortunately, I need to lose more than he does. But having him on board will be helpful.

I did not think of sodium in canned dried beans. That is good to know. Thank you for mentioning it. I've recently been using a rice cooker to make dried beans and that is quick. I will have to keep that in mind when I need canned beans. I also don't put salt on any veggies and haven't since I had my kids. I used to use a TON of salt so I decided when I had children that I didn't want my kids to be like me. So I essentially steam veggies and serve plain.

Do you all use low sodium salt when needed? Or is there a better option?

We can lose weight, eat right and exercise and still have HBP. For some, meds are the only way. With losing weight and exercise I have reduced the amt of meds but still have to take one. There are low sodium can goods or get an old Ball canning book and can some yourself. Make it a new hobby for you or both of you. I always rinse my can vegs well before using them. I try to cook my own beans in a crockpot and freeze for later use. Best wishes on health for your family.

My dh saw the dr the other day and his blood pressure is running in stage 1 hypertension. He must monitor for 8wks and then call. I've reserved some books on DASH. He did not know this at his appointment, but his dad does have hypertension (and he is very thin).

We do not eat tons of processed food because my youngest ds has food allergies. I think the highest sodium he gets would be from eating out (we go out once a week on a date) and canned tomatoes. He does like some processed things for lunch when we don't have leftovers in the house.

He runs about 12-17 miles a week. But he eats a bunch of crap....candy, but usually fruit flavored. He also drinks soda (not colas, but high caffeine soda). He's been trying to cut down on those for awhile. He does like Smart Water....although we wonder if he should drink that when he's not running due to the electrolytes. He is overweight, but not obese.

Anyway, I'm here to learn all I can. I am encouraged because he did go get books at the library on high blood pressure. This is a good thing!!

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